Moong Bhajji Recipe – Moong Fritters
Moong Bhajji is a delectable and crispy Indian snack made from split yellow moong dal and an array of aromatic spices. This crispy delight, loved all over Maharashtra, is often found as street food but can easily be prepared at home. Its simple preparation, which only requires soaking the dal in advance, makes it an easy snack to whip up whenever you’re craving something savory and satisfying. For an even more nutritious twist, you can substitute the moong dal with moong sprouts.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup (soaked in water for 2 hours) |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 4, chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Chopped, to taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For deep frying |
Preparation Time:
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions:
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Soak the Moong Dal: Begin by washing the moong dal thoroughly. Soak it in water for about two hours to ensure it softens properly for grinding.
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Grind the Dal: After soaking, drain the moong dal completely and transfer it to a mixer grinder. Coarsely grind the dal along with garlic, ginger, green chillies, salt, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Do not add any water while grinding, as the dal should remain somewhat coarse in texture.
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Prepare the Mixture: Transfer the coarsely ground dal mixture into a mixing bowl. Add chopped onions and fresh coriander leaves to the mixture and stir well to combine.
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Heat Oil for Frying: Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan (kadhai) over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying, but not too hot to burn the fritters quickly.
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Fry the Moong Bhajji: Drop small portions of the dal mixture (about ½ teaspoon each) into the hot oil. Fry the bhajjis in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown. Turn the bhajjis occasionally for uniform frying.
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Drain the Bhajji: Once the bhajjis are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon. Drain the excess oil by placing the fritters on absorbent paper.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your hot and crispy Moong Bhajji with your favorite chutney or dip. These fritters make for a perfect snack for a quick tea-time or any casual gathering.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Notes:
- You can substitute the yellow moong dal with moong sprouts for a healthier version.
- Adjust the quantity of green chillies based on your spice preference.
- The fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a few hours in an airtight container if needed.
Enjoy the delightful crunch of Moong Bhajji as a protein-packed snack that brings the flavors of Maharashtra right into your kitchen!
